Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore, one of Chennai's older neighbourhoods. Its tall gateway tower, the gopuram, is covered in painted figures of deities and animals, and the carved sculptures are the main reason to look closely. Oil lamps are lit during rituals, and the atmosphere inside is calm. Visit early in the morning or around sunset to see worship at its most active, then walk the streets outside for traditional shops and filter coffee.
Origins and rebuilding
The temple is linked to the Pallava rulers, who are said to have founded it in the 7th century. The first temple is said to have stood on the shoreline. The present complex was rebuilt at its current site in the 16th century, after the earlier structure was damaged during the Portuguese period. The Vijayanagara rulers are credited with the restoration that followed.
The area takes its name from the temple. Mylapore is linked to the story of Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peahen, and the name refers to peacocks. A shrine in the complex is associated with that legend.
Architecture and the gopuram
The temple is built in the Dravidian style, which is clear in its tall gateway towers. The main gopuram is about 37 metres high and covered in painted figures of deities and animals. Its colours are the first thing most visitors notice from the street.
Inside the walls, carved sculptures depict scenes from mythological stories. The main shrine houses a Shiva lingam, which is said to be self-manifested. Parvati is worshipped here as Karpagambal, in her own shrine within the complex.
Inside the complex and its tank
The complex includes several mandapas, or covered halls, and a large water tank. The tank is used during the Thaipusam water festival. Bronze idols of the Nayanmars, the Shaiva saints, are among the notable sculptures inside.
Around the temple, the streets still follow the traditional Agraharam layout. Small shops sell traditional items and snacks, and filter coffee is an easy stop after a visit.
Festivals and cultural programmes
The Panguni Peruvizha festival runs for ten days in March and April. The Arubathimoovar festival is another major event at the temple. Classical music and dance performances are held here through the year, so a visit may coincide with one.
Festival days draw larger crowds. If you want a quieter visit, choose an ordinary day.
How to visit
Entry is free, and visitors are encouraged to make a donation. Auto-rickshaws and public buses both reach Mylapore, and the temple is in the Vinayaka Nagar Colony area. The entrance and the parking area are wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms on site.
The Santhome Basilica is in the same area, so the two can be combined on one walk. Plan the visit for early morning or sunset, and allow time to walk the streets around the temple.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or around sunset is best, as the evening aarti takes place then. Religious festival days are busier, so an ordinary day is quieter.
Can non-Hindus go inside the temple?
Entry into the temple itself is limited to Hindus. Non-Hindu visitors can see the gopuram and the surrounding area from outside.
How do I get to Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
Auto-rickshaws and public buses both reach Mylapore. The address is 234, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai.
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
